Erwin Rall Uncle Wiggily Collection

Collection

Identifier: MG NWK Rall-(Fileroom)

Staff Only

Abstract

This small collection hinges on an autographed copy of Uncle Wiggily's Fortune, a book by Howard R. Garis. The book, published in 1913, was autographed by Garis in December 1918 for 4-year-old Erwin L. Rall Jr. In addition to the book, the collection includes an undated photo of Erwin Rall, as well as a photo and obituary of Friedolin Rall (1925), and a photocopied news article about Howard R. Garis (1946).

Dates

1918 - 1946

Conditions Governing Use

Researchers wishing to publish, reproduce, or reprint materials from this collection must obtain permission.

Biographical / Historical

Howard Roger Garis (1873-1962) was a writer for the Newark Evening News for more than 50 years. He also wrote a series of children's books featuring the character Uncle Wiggily Longears, an elderly rabbit.

In December 1918, he autographed a copy of one of those books, Uncle Wiggily's Fortune, for the 4-year-old namesake son of his friend Erwin L. Rall Sr. (1873-1954). Rall Sr. worked for the Newark Evening News for 50 years, retiring in 1939 as an advertising representative in the newspaper's composing room.

Rall Jr. (1914-1988) was a salesman with Combined Kitchen Equipment in Newark before retiring in 1976.

Friedolin Rall (1845-1925) was the father of Erwin Rall Sr. When he died in 1925, he was one of the last surviving Civil War veterans in Irvington. He also claimed that he was in Ford's Theatre in Washington when Abraham Lincoln was killed in 1865. Born in Germany, he came to the United States at age 9.

Extent

.209 Linear Feet (1 half Hollinger box)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Donated by Joseph W. Streit in September 2018. Streit is the nephew of Erwin L. Rall Jr.

Processing Information

This small collection was divided into three folders: one folder contains the autographed book, another contains photos, and the third contains a photocopied obituary of Howard R. Garis.